The haunted Fort Delaware rises on Pea Patch Island in Delaware City, DE, blending Civil War history with spectral whispers. Built in 1859 to protect the Delaware River, it served as a prison during the war. Now a state park, it offers historical tours and ghost hunts, drawing visitors to its eerie barracks. If you’re fascinated by wartime tales or paranormal encounters, this fortress beckons with its haunted legacy.
Haunting Stories at the Haunted Fort Delaware
The haunted Fort Delaware is renowned for chilling tales that might send a shiver down your spine. Here’s what visitors and investigators have shared about their eerie encounters:
- The Lady in White: A ghostly woman, possibly a prisoner’s wife, wanders the officers’ quarters. Guests see her white dress or hear her sobs.
- The Confederate Soldier: A spectral soldier in gray roams the prison area. Visitors report hearing his commands or seeing his form.
- The Drummer’s Echo: A ghostly drumbeat resonates in the courtyard, tied to a young drummer’s death. Some hear it faintly.
- General Spookiness: Cold spots, unexplained whispers, and slamming doors echo through the fort, linked to its history of captivity.
Fort Delaware was featured in a 2014 Ghost Hunters episode, where investigators recorded EVPs and spotted a shadowy figure in the prison area. Its reputation as a haunted site stems from its tragic past, including over 2,500 deaths during its time as a Civil War prison.
A Historic Legacy in Delaware City
Fort Delaware’s story began in 1859 when it was constructed on Pea Patch Island to guard the Delaware River. During the Civil War, it held Confederate prisoners, with over 2,500 deaths due to disease and harsh conditions. Decommissioned in 1945, it became a state park under Delaware’s Division of Parks and Recreation. Today, it offers tours that highlight its haunting history.
Visiting Tips for a Ghostly Adventure
Ready to explore the haunted Fort Delaware? Here’s how to delve into its shadowy past:
Plan Your Visit: Open May through September 2025, with daytime tours ($10-$18) and ghost hunts ($25-$45) on select nights. Visit destateparks.com or call (302) 834-7941 to book.
Spooky Spots to Discover:
- Officers’ Quarters: Spot the lady in white or hear her sobs here.
- Prison Area: See the Confederate soldier or hear his commands.
- Courtyard: Listen for the drummer’s echo in this space.
- Barracks: Encounter cold spots and whispers tied to its past.
Dare to Explore Haunted Fort Delaware?
Fort Delaware is more than a historic fortress—it’s a ghostly prison where soldiers and women might still linger. From sobs to drumbeats, its tales captivate paranormal seekers. Ready to step onto its grounds? Book a tour—something unseen might greet you!
